Is Your Job Getting Phased Out?

While the economy is showing signs of improvement, there are still some jobs that don’t really look like they are coming back any time soon and – sad to say – they may never come back. Other jobs are slowly being phased out. Is one of them yours?

If you feel like your field is not experiencing any growth, and your job prospects are drifting out to sea, it may be time to start playing a different game.

There are a variety of jobs both domestically and abroad in technology, healthcare, social services and other areas of business that could be a potential fit for you.

Depending upon where you live, the first thing you should do is run a thorough Google search for growing industries. The research you conduct will help you identify specific job sectors and occupations that are on the rise in a geographically desirable location for you.

Weigh the potential opportunities against your existing skills and preferences to define some realistic ideas for career change. I often provide my clients with a DISC assessment to help reveal their unique strengths. The assessment is helpful in identifying personality characteristics, areas for improvement, and other traits.

If you live in the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly issues the Occupational Outlook Handbook, which can be accessed online. This helpful guide let’s you know what training and education is required in any given field, how much you can expect to earn, and what sorts of specific opportunities are available.

The UK has a similar agency that monitors labor, or labour – depending on which side of the pond you come from! The employment bureau is part of the Office of National Statistics. They have job related information sorted by industry and region. Tapping into this information can be very helpful when thinking about making a career transition. The Canadian job statistics website, Canada Business is great as well.

Even if you don’t live in the US, UK, or Canada, these guides can be helpful to give you career transition ideas. If you decide you do want to reinvent yourself and are able to overcome FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt), you will want to make sure you get all of the training you require. Sometimes, in high demand jobs, even enrolling in a program will help you get a foot in the door. Other times, you will need to complete a full educational curriculum before being considered for employment.

A new résumé or CV, and cover letter can also play a pivotal role in your success when making a transition. Those who change professions should consider hiring a professional résumé writer with a history of success in this area. Résumés for those in transition can be tricky.

The bottom line is not to let the ship sink without taking action. If you know you are in a dying industry, make plans and create a strategic roadmap. Many people have been successfully able to parlay their overall skills and find new opportunities for themselves. Just because you studied basket weaving in college doesn’t mean you have to be a basket weaver for the rest of your life. Does it?